Award-winning TV and digital host, gaming personality, and actor join original founder Shaun “Shonduras” McBride to help usher decorated esports organization into a new chapter.
Spacestation Gaming, a top esports organization known for winning the 2020 Rainbow Six World Championships, placing fifth out of forty teams in the Apex Legends Global Series Championship, placing second in the most recent RLCS Championship, and ranking number one in the North American League, officially announces Mari “AtomicMari” Takahashi as its new co-owner, working alongside current founder Shaun “Shonduras” McBride, as well as Sean Holladay and Mari’s business partner Peter Kitch. Established in 2017 with a focus on content and creators, Spacestation Gaming is a professional esports organization competing at the highest level in several top-tier esports titles and existing under the Spacestation umbrella, which also includes Spacestation Integrations, Spacestation Investments, Spacestation Creative, Spacestation CPG, and Moonwalk Media.
“As a longtime fan and avid participant of the esports industry, I’ve had my eye on Spacestation Gaming for a while,” said Mari “AtomicMari” Takahashi. “I deeply respect everything Shonduras and the team have created, so with my love of all things esports, passion for space travel, and shift into the business side of the industry, when the opportunity to join them as co-owner presented itself, there was no way I could pass it up.”
Mari “AtomicMari” Takahashi is no stranger to the digital media and video game industries. In 2017, Mari was named one of the “Top Influencers in Gaming” by Forbes, and during her 10-year tenure with comedy powerhouse, SMOSH, Mari co-founded its sister channel SMOSH Games and produced and starred in shows like Maricraft (47MM+ views), Smosh Pit Weekly (120MM+ views) and Operation: Open World. In 2020, she served as the correspondent for Polygon’s Speedrun on Quibi, playing games and interviewing A-list talent including Kevin Smith, Terry Crews, and Jordan Fisher. In addition to digital media credits, Mari has done commercial work for Ericsson, Microsoft, Samsung, and Verizon, recently hosted for Netflix and Paramount, has made appearances on Disney XD, Popular Science, and CBS’s Survivor, and has two Streamy Awards under her belt. Mari is also very focused on making a meaningful impact on the gaming and STEM industry, having worked with the Ad Council and ESA for Women in STEM programs and lobbying Congress on behalf of Bill Nye’s non-profit organization, The Planetary Society, to secure funding for NASA.
“Mari’s incomparable experience and ‘know-how’ in this space made her an obvious choice as our new co-owner,” said Shaun “Shonduras” McBride. “Having worked with her in the past and experienced first-hand what she brings to the table, I can’t wait to once again work alongside her and continue to build one of the best esports organizations in the business.”
Spacestation Gaming currently competes across seven esports titles, including Rainbow Six: Siege, Rocket League, PUBG, Apex Legends, Smash Ultimate, and iRacing, with more in the works. With a focus on content and community first and foremost — having signed some of the biggest creators in Rocket League including Sunless Khan, Jon Sandman, and Lethamyr as well as the Scuffed Cast (Widow, Neato, Ranny, TriHouse, Veeds), and running an online tournament series called Airlock, which has hosted successful tournaments in Minecraft, Rainbow Six, Smash Ultimate and Rocket League — Spacestation Gaming’s focus aligns perfectly with Mari’s experience and skillset.
Mari will work hand in hand with the team to continue to develop the Spacestation Gaming organization into one of the most recognized esports organizations in the world. With her background and worldwide recognition, Mari will work with original founder Shaun to expand the creator and community aspects of Spacestation Gaming, as well as pursue further esports championships across multiple video game titles.
